Knox Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Cedaredge, Delta County, Colorado, the Knox dam serves as a vital irrigation structure along the Surface Creek-TR.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1954, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet, with a hydraulic height of 36 feet and a structural height of 40 feet. With a storage capacity of 335 acre-feet, Knox reservoir covers a surface area of 16 acres and drains an area of 2 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, a 2015 inspection found the condition of the Knox dam to be unsatisfactory. The dam's outlet gates consist of a slide (sluice gate) and an uncontrolled mechanism, while no spillway is present. With a maximum discharge capacity of 882 cubic feet per second, the dam poses a high risk level (2) according to a risk assessment.

State-regulated and maintained by the Colorado Department of Water Resources (DWR), the Knox dam is subject to regular inspections, with the last one conducted in October 2015. As an essential component of the local irrigation system, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find Knox to be a noteworthy structure worth monitoring for its potential impacts on the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

512

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

SURFACE CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

335

Structural Height

40

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

40
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.